Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash of an Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers, crashed on Monday while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, the Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The NAF confirmed that no survivor had been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
He also ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
It also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared three days of national mourning following the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased officers.
Full list of victims
Crew
Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
Flying Officer IM Adeshina
Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
Flight Sergeant James RB
Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
Sergeant Ani AE
Sergeant Izibenikien SI
Sergeant Alafuka C
Sergeant Mbadugha AN
Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
Lance Corporal Eledan GE
Mrs Ezeh Nneka
Godstmine Tarabina
Joy Micheal
Sunday Micheal
Ukeme David
Gideon Omotola
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide verified updates as investigations into the accident progress.
